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In This Issue:
From left: Carmen and Grisel Cartagena speak with Julie Redfern at last year's WFD event.
With a rapidly changing health care landscape, the needs of a health care workforce also changes. From career resources and coaching to courses in reading, writing, math, communications and computer skills, BWH Workforce Development (WFD) is committed to helping BWHers adjust to these changes by working with them to develop and progress in their careers.
"In order to help employees reach the top of their skill sets, which is critical given the changing environment, WFD has redesigned many of its course offerings for 2014-2015 and is rolling out a new program model," said WFD Director Geoff Vercauteren. "We want to be sure our employees have the resources they need to adapt and thrive."
The new model includes:
Building skills for employees in their current roles, including computer and Microsoft Office proficiency, communication and critical thinking skills, math and business writing
Shorter programs with more focused learning objectives, with many programs as short as 12 weeks
Personalized assessments that will inform employees of the courses that best fit their needs for reaching their goals
In the past academic year, six BWH employees completed WFD's Patient Care Assistant (PCA) program, with all passing the Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant exam and four hired as PCAs. Eight employees who were enrolled in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes increased their English levels in nine months, while seven out of eight of those enrolled in pre-college reading, writing and math tested into college-level courses. Additionally, 127 BWHers became U.S. citizens since WFD's Citizenship Program began.
Learn more about WFD's 2014-2015 program offerings at its annual Employee Career Development event on March 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Cabot Atrium. For more information, call 617-713-3738, or email bwhwfd@partners.org.